Milk proteins trigger the same type of reaction in some individuals. Gustatory rhinitis is the reason why nose becomes runny after eating spicy food. It is a reflex reaction of body triggered by eating. Experts say that this happens due gustatory rhinitis. Some people also produce excessive mucus after drinking milk. The tissue of mucus membranes go into overdrive and start producing a lot of mucus, causing a runny nose and a phlegmy throat. It usually takes an allergy, the bad flu or contact with an irritant or allergen - like a plate of spicy food - to significantly increase production of mucus.įor example, when your body is going through an allergic response to a trigger, such as dust or pollen, mast cells in the body secrete out a chemical known as histamine, which sets off itching, nasal stuffiness, sneezing and irritation in the throat. But there are times when mucus makes its presence known – usually when either we’re producing an excess of it or when its consistency changes. Most of that mucus drips down the throat and we don’t even notice its presence. Mucus also has antibodies that help the body identify aggressors like viruses and bacteria, enzymes that eliminate the microbes and germs it traps, proteins that give mucus its gooey and sticky quality, and a variety of cells, besides other substances.Įven in a healthy state, the human body is a mucus making machine, producing approximately 1 to 1.5 liters of the mucus per day. It is a sticky and viscous matter and easily traps foreign particles. Mucus not only keeps internal body cavities moist but also protects them from foreign particles like dirt and bacteria and other germs, especially in the case of a sensitive respiratory pathway. It is crucial that these cavities remain moist to function in a normal manner. Mucus acts as a protective covering over these body cavities and organs, preventing the tissues underneath from drying out. Mucus secreting tissues form the lining of the oral cavity, nasal cavity, sinuses, gastrointestinal tract, nose, and lungs. One medical expert emphasized the importance of mucus by saying, “It’s like oil for the body’s engine.